Winter gardening presents its own unique challenges, and while it is still cold out, making a mistake now could impact your plants well into spring.

Avoiding simple errors will protect plants from frost damage, waterlogging and disease, ensuring they are able to survive and thrive in spring.

Proper care, such as mulching, pruning at the right time, and avoiding overwatering, helps maintain soil health and prevents plant loss.

Chris Ware, a local gardening expert from Climbing Wild Gardeners, has shared his wisdom on how to maintain your garden during the colder months.

With years of experience under his belt, he has highlighted six common errors to avoid during the winter gardening season.

1. Pruning hedges in freezing temperatures.

He said: “Pruning on frosty days can do more harm than good. The cold makes branches brittle and slow to heal, leaving them more susceptible to disease.”

Instead, he suggests waiting for milder, overcast conditions when they can get a light trim.

2. Cutting back herbaceous plants too early.

He said: “It’s tempting to clear out the old growth as soon as you see it, but leaving perennial stems intact over winter can actually protect the roots and provide shelter for beneficial wildlife.”

He recommends waiting until spring to prune back dead foliage, which can also add some frosty visual interest to your garden.

3. Skipping frost protection

Chris emphasises the importance of frost-proofing your garden, he said: “Too many people overlook the damage frost can cause.

“Cover tender plants with horticultural fleece, and if possible, move potted plants to more sheltered areas.

“Adding a mulch layer before the cold sets in is another simple yet effective step.”

4. Walking on a frosty lawn

Chris said: “Frost makes grass blades incredibly fragile.

“Even walking on your lawn during these conditions can leave long-lasting damage, such as burn marks that won’t recover until new growth appears in spring.”

To avoid this, he suggests creating designated pathways with stepping stones or waiting for a thaw before stepping onto the grass.

5. Planting in poor soil conditions

Chris also advises against planting in frozen or waterlogged soil conditions.

He said: “It’s best to wait for better conditions so that roots have a chance to establish properly. In the meantime, consider planting in containers or starting seeds indoors for a head start on spring.”

6. Pruning stone fruit trees at the wrong time

Chris said: “Winter pruning is fine for apples and pears, but it’s a mistake to prune stone fruit trees like plums or cherries at this time.

“Doing so can expose them to fungal infections, which thrive in winter. Save those pruning tasks for the summer months.”

By avoiding these common pitfalls, Ware says you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more resilient garden come spring.

He added: “Winter is a time for thoughtful planning and care. Get it right now, and your plants will reward you when the weather warms up.”